Zoo to hold name-the-panda contest

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo will have an opportunity to name the newest giant panda cub, now 2 months old.

Following Chinese tradition, the male cub will get a name after 100 days.

Between Saturday and Oct. 19, the zoo is asking the community to visit the Giant Panda Research Station to suggest a name. The names should be in Chinese (Pinyin), have an English translation, be symbolic in meaning and be delivered in person.

After the 10-day period, the zoo's panda team will choose several of the suggestions.

The Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association will then review the selected names. Once approved, the names will be posted on the zoo's Web site, sandiegozoo.org, and its Facebook page,
facebook.com/SanDiegoZoo
, for a final vote by the global community.

Zoo officials said to check the Web site for updates on when to vote online. The name that receives the most votes will be announced at a ceremony Nov. 17.